Nico Rosberg banned from F1 paddock due to no COVID-19 vaccine


2016 world champion Nico Rosberg has been banned from the F1 paddock after deciding not to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
For 2022, all personnel working within the F1 paddock must be fully vaccinated including drivers, teams, media, hospitality workers and any guests who attend the races.
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According to Sport 1, Rosberg is unable to enter the paddock with the German a pundit for Sky Sports F1 in the UK.
Rosberg was on duty for Sky at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix but contributed to their live coverage from his home rather than at Imola itself.
He was present in Monaco during Sky’s broadcast in the UK but was unable to enter the paddock.
As a result, Sky did their Monaco coverage from outside the paddock.
Rosberg has explained his reasoning for not having the vaccine.
"I recovered well from the corona disease and therefore have strong antibodies," Rosberg told Sport 1. "I also have my antibodies tested regularly.
"Under these circumstances, my doctor advised me that vaccination would make absolutely no sense."
F1 has managed to avoid any high-profile dramas with its drivers or team personnel.
In Tennis, 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was unable to enter Australia and compete at the Australian Open earlier this year due to not being vaccinated.